New Smyrna Gnarlies End Season Optimistic About What Happens Next
Updated: 4 days ago
The New Smyrna Gnarlies inaugural season came to an end in a July 27 playoff loss to the eventual Orange State League Champions, Palm Coast Big Buoys.
Despite the loss and losing record (6–14), the initial season for the Gnarlies, as well as the collegiate summer wood-bat Orange State League, was a success. To that effect, both the team and the league will be back next summer.
Gnarlies General Manager Eric Torres took some time between games of a doubleheader that closed out the Gnarlies’ regular season to comment on what was, and what is yet to come for both the Gnarlies and the OSL.
“On the field, I would say (our) young coaching staff really came through and surprised me in terms of being able to gather these guys and make them effective,” Mr. Torres said as the field was being groomed for game two of the doubleheader at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.
“It’s our first season. It’s our first time around. So, realistically, I wasn’t expecting too much. But the fact that these guys came around and put a squad together that…can put the ball in play…can make plays on the ball. I think this coaching staff has done a great job in establishing what we can expect from a team here in New Smyrna.”
He is referring to Manager Brady Bakner and Coach Edbarry Guzman.
When not coaching the Gnarlies, Mr. Guzman spends his time as a graduate assistant coach for Keiser University while Manager Bakner co-owns a baseball training facility and instruction program called 8131 Baseball.
The OSL expects to expand for the 2027 season. Though Mr. Torres has not heard specifics, he has heard that “the intent is to have a lot more teams.” To that end, the four teams in the OSL have been posting the form that is step one in becoming a team owner. It is posted here for your convenience.
If team ownership isn’t your thing, or would break your budget, Mr. Torres suggests the role of GM is pretty darn good.
“I would say do it,” Mr, Torres replied when asked about being a general manager. “I would say, roll with it because there’s a lot that comes with it, especially during a first season and an inaugural season like this one for us.”
He said that one item of interest for those considering a front office position with a team in the OSL is establishing a relationship between the team and the city.
In that area, he is pleased with what the New Smyrna Gnarlies accomplished, such as attendance: “The team is developing its roots here, and we’ve got a good core of folks coming out and acknowledging this.”
Those folk saw some players that Mr. Torres believes college baseball fans should keep an eye on. They are Amare Campbell (C/1B, 3B, RHP), Joe Nawraki (OF), Lebrian Poole (OF) and Jesiah Woodside (OF, MIF).
After the Palm Coast Big Buoys ended the Gnarlies’ season in the playoffs, Palm Coast faced the St. Augustine Sardines for the OSL Championship and came away with a 7 –5 win and an eternal claim as the first-ever OSL champions.
Note:
Multiple inquiries to league officials for the final scores of the playoff games went unanswered.
This blog was originally published on a Medium site that I no longer utilize. The published date here reflects the date this was published on Medium
Charles I. Guarria, AKA The Opinion Guy, is an author, blogger, reporter and former streaming host based in the state of Florida, USA, covering any topic, anywhere in the world. His career began in 2009. Mr. Guarria is a three-time winner of Emerald Group Publishing’s Highly Commended Award and is available for hire to write, research, or beta-read.
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